City Cast Pittsburgh logo
December 12, 2025

Higher Taxes, Ozempic Limits & 50 Years of Terrible Towels

City Cast Pittsburgh

Higher Taxes, Ozempic Limits & 50 Years of Terrible Towels

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

Your taxes could be going up. City Council and Pittsburgh Public Schools both officially proposed increases for next year. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo explain how we got here and how much extra you might be paying if the tax hikes do, in fact, get approved. Plus, they discuss a new direct flight to one of Pittsburgh's favorite places, new state restrictions on GLP-1 drugs, the Terrible Towel's big milestone birthday, and your final opportunity to snag an exclusive City Cast Pittsburgh beanie.

Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm

Request a song for our holiday show! Call or text the HOLIDAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Notes and references from today’s show:

  • Our Ultimate Pittsburgh Gift Guide [City Cast Pittsburgh]
  • PODCAST: 'Sloppy' City Budget, Zombie Studies & Giant Eagle vs. Everybody [City Cast Pittsburgh]
  • Same budget, different universes: Pittsburgh council, mayor diverge on 2026 spending plan [TribLive]
  • Pittsburgh City Council grapples with competing narratives surrounding budget [P-G]
  • Sharply contrasting views of Pittsburgh budget emerge ahead of looming votes [WESA]
  • Property Record Search [Allegheny County]
  • PODCAST: Can Pittsburgh Afford the NFL Draft? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
  • PODCAST: Are Pittsburgh Schools Closing Or Not?! [City Cast Pittsburgh]
  • Without closures, Pittsburgh Public Schools projects $6M deficit with 4% tax hike [TribLive]
  • Pa. cyber charter reforms give PPS budget unexpected 'wiggle room' amid last-minute revisions [WESA]
  • Pennsylvania restricts weight-loss drugs for Medicaid patients amid budget woes [Spotlight PA]
  • Pittsburgh-area ICE arrests through mid-October more than triple last year’s level [Public Source]
  • PODCAST: What Actually Happens During an ICE Raid? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
  • PODCAST: Lo que realmente ocurre durante una redada de ICE [City Cast Pittsburgh]
  • HHS changed the name of transgender health leader on her official portrait [NPR]
  • Former Gov. Wolf, Pa. Democrats slam deadname of Rachel Levine portrait [Go Erie]
  • The Terrible Towel Turns 50 [Pittsburgh Magazine]
  • Pittsburgh lands direct flights to Dublin [Axios Pittsburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode:

Fulton Commons

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
June 10

8 Pittsburgh Home Tours You Have To Take this Summer

If you love scrolling through Pittsburgh's wildest Zillow listings, don't miss your chance to actually go inside some of those fancy home...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 9

Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots

Ever wanted to make public art or host an event in an abandoned lot? City Council is considering a proposal to let residents put vacant l...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 8

Are Pittsburgh Breweries OK?!

Is Pittsburgh's beer scene in trouble? Earlier this year, Fat Head's closed down, and now both Penn Brewery and the Abbey on Butler have...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 7

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert cit...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 5

Picklesburgh Abominations, Schenley Park Drama & World Cup Watch Parties

It's been a big week for Pittsburgh public hearings! People turned out to share their passionate takes on the city's revised affordable h...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 4

Where To Get Pittsburgh’s Best Ice Cream

Pittsburgh's ice cream and soft serve shops are opening for the season! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit, an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 3

Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways

If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 2

Is Heinz Worth the Hype?

Heinz ketchup has a chokehold on Pittsburgh. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the brand on the table and in any g...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 1

Your Guide to June 2026 in Pittsburgh

Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up f...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 31

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Where would Pittsburgh be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art